We may be some way off the new normal but there’s never been a better chance to shape it. Although the requirements of our work environment are always changing, the coronavirus has accelerated the pace of that change and we are now beginning to see a different kind of office environment starting to take shape. Workers who choose to go into the office will need to be able to tackle their most urgent tasks efficiently – otherwise, there are more options.

By Martin Becker, Partner at Drees & Sommer SE and Managing Director of RBSGROUP – Part of Drees & Sommer

With our work and home routines having changed, the status of the office has also shifted. Working from home has become the new reality during the coronavirus. In this new work situation, we inevitably wonder what the office has to offer that working from home or mobile working – e. g. in a café, on-site with a customer or on the building site – doesn’t.

A hypothetical new office would ideally have a stronger network connection than home or working off-site, be the best setting for analogue and virtual meetings and have cutting-edge ventilation, air-conditioning systems and real-time data on what desks, tools and equipment are currently available. Above all, this new kind of office would be a counterpoint to working from home and working off-site, providing a creative space for hybrid teamwork. It should also be presented to workers as a central hub.

Sharing models and hybrid spaces

Rigid office set-ups with fixed seating have become outdated. Companies need intelligent sharing concepts with a mix of office and remote working. This kind of set-up requires multifunctional, hybrid rooms that enable people joining meetings by video to be equally “present” as those who are in the room, and facilitate communication and teamwork.

Resilience is needed

At the same time, modern office spaces need to be customizable: both in structural terms and on the surface so that they can adapt to changing needs. The office interior should be designed so that in an emergency – e.g. a new coronavirus outbreak – workers can move things around and make changes directly. Being future-ready means running a reliable and efficient workspace and being prepared to deal with new challenges. But first we need to get workers back in the office so that we can establish, evaluate and develop new ways of working.

Every organization needs to adopt a bespoke model for the new normal that is based on their own company culture, and which combines the benefits of different locations and ways of working. For a long time now, offices have been more than just places of work. They function as calling cards for businesses and are an important asset in the competition to attract the best talent. In a nutshell: they are a key pillar of the employer’s brand.

The office is a place where a company’s values and vision come to life in 3 dimensional space. A place that offers structure and direction. A place that creates a stronger bond between the employee and the employer. And so, flexible working models, a culture of trust and a high-quality office environment will continue to be an important and decisive factor in attracting and retaining talent in the future.

For example: by introducing a sharing ratio of 1:1.4 (meaning one desk space shared between 1.4 employees), it’s possible to gain 20 per cent more floor space per desk whilst saving 15 per cent per employee. Also, we do currently need space to comfortably adhere to social distancing regulations and add extra rooms for calls or quiet spaces.

The office will continue to play a decisive role in future

Whilst there’s no such thing as a universal, one-size-fits-all solution, the basic premise is that anything that makes offices attractive to workers and creates a safe, healthy, highly attractive, sustainable and technically optimal workspace is a solid investment. And it’s a both a monetary investment and an investment in employee satisfaction.